Chapter 55: The Nature of Power

Nero sat cross-legged on the smooth stone floor, his arms resting on his knees. The flickering torchlight cast shifting shadows across the ancient chamber, the air thick with magic, their magic. 

A newfound awareness thrummed within each of them, a sensation both foreign and natural.

After a moment of quiet contemplation, he exhaled and broke the silence.

"So," he began, casting a glance at his companions, "let's go over what we've learned about our bloodline abilities."

The others turned their attention to him.

"I'll start with myself," Nero continued. "My ability is called Raven Eyes. At its core, it's a heightened analytical ability, but that barely scratches the surface. It lets me perceive magical traces, deconstruct spells, analyze weaknesses, and even predict movement to some extent. It's like seeing the world through a different lens, one where everything is decipherable."

Rowena nodded approvingly. "You've only scratched the surface of what it can do, but your ability to apply logic and understanding will allow you to wield it effectively."

Nero turned to Lilith. "Next, Parseltongue, or rather, the Magic of Dominance."

Lilith's eyes gleamed under the torchlight. "Most people assume Parseltongue is just the ability to talk to snakes, but it's much more than that."

Her voice was measured, yet there was something in it, something commanding. "It's the ability to impose my will upon creatures and, in time, magic itself. It's about commanding, shaping, and enforcing. Salazar mentioned that I could develop a separate casting system entirely, magic woven through command rather than incantation."

Salazar smiled. "Cunning and powerful. The mark of a true heir of Slytherin."

Nero nodded, then shifted his attention to Alaric. "Then there's Warden, natural harmony."

Alaric leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful.

"It's… different from what I expected. It's not just about nature, it's about balance. I can feel the magic in the world around me, how it moves and shifts. It listens to me, but I don't have to force it, I guide it. It's a connection to the natural flow of things, like being the driving element of something much larger than myself."

Helga beamed at him.

"The true nature of a guardian. Those attuned to the Warden bloodline are not conquerors of nature but stewards of its strength. When wielded correctly, it is a force unlike any other."

Nero turned to Ember, who was watching the conversation with a smirk.

"And finally, Forgeheart, the ability to create."

Ember leaned forward, excitement glinting in her eyes.

"Creation, sure, but not just in the normal way. I don't just enchant objects. I infuse magic directly into them, altering their very nature. I can shape raw magical energy, crafting artifacts that defy normal limitations. Given enough time, I might even be able to make things that the world has never seen before."

Godric grinned. "A proper Gryffindor, pushing past limits to make something greater."

Nero sat back, processing. "Each of our abilities is specialized, but they all have something in common, they are not just passive traits, but paths to mastery."

He turned to Rowena, a question forming in his mind.

"Big Sis, as you've told me before, Ravenclaws tend to be more attuned to Space-type principles. What about the other houses?"

Before Rowena could answer, Godric let out a loud laugh.

Salazar smirked. "Did he just call you 'Big Sis'?"

Helga giggled. "Oh, this is wonderful."

Rowena stiffened. "And what exactly is so amusing about that?"

Godric leaned forward, grinning. "Well, you always used to act so stoic and composed, in front of other people, and here he is calling you 'Big Sis' like a doting little brother. It's… adorable."

Rowena's eyes twitched. "I don't see how this is relevant."

Salazar chuckled darkly. "Oh, but it is Rowena."

Rowena turned to the other heirs, eyes narrowing.

"Since we're on the topic, how have you been addressing your ancestors?"

Lilith smirked. "Salazar insisted I call him Ancestor, but I preferred Serpent Lord. We settled for Master."

Salazar looked immensely pleased with himself.

Rowena sighed. "What a terrific naming sense."

She turned to Alaric.

The boy hesitated for a moment before answering.

"…Grandma."

The room fell silent.

Helga's eyes widened. "Pardon?"

Alaric coughed. "You remind me of my grandmother: kind, wise, patient. So… I started calling you that. In my mind"

Godric puffed in laughter. Salazar turned away, shaking with suppressed laughter.

Rowena covered her mouth, barely containing herself.

Helga, meanwhile, looked absolutely scandalized. "I AM NOT THAT OLD! I mean I am but…"

Alaric coughed. "It was meant as a compliment."

Helga groaned. "I suddenly feel very ancient."

Rowena, still smirking, turned to Ember. "And you?"

Ember grinned. "Oh, I just call Godric Commander."

Godric's grin vanished. "Wait, what?"

Ember shrugged. "You're always talking about battle strategies and courage, so I figured it was appropriate."

Rowena outright laughed. "Commander? Oh, that's perfect."

Godric sighed dramatically. "I thought I would have the coolest nickname."

Rowena, still grinning, cleared her throat and regained her composure. "Now then, back to Nero's original question."

"It is true that Ravenclaws are often attuned to Space-type principles, but magic is vast and complex. Actually, each of our bloodlines has a natural affinity for two core principles, though there are always exceptions."

She lifted a hand, magic forming glowing runes in the air as she spoke.

"Ravenclaw: Space and Reversal."

"Slytherin: Entropy and Oblivion."

"Hufflepuff: Karma and Harmony."

"Gryffindor: Creation and Destruction."

The heirs absorbed this new information.

Salazar spoke next. "You are more likely to develop natural affinities for these principles, though it is possible to deviate from them. It all depends on how you grow."

Rowena gave them all a level look. "But be warned, it is far too early for you to dive into these concepts. You must first master the fundamentals of your bloodline abilities before even thinking about the greater principles. Principles, despite being a source of immense power, are dangerous for wizards that are not yet ready to wield them."

The four heirs nodded in understanding.

Helga sighed, her expression turning more serious. "There is something else you need to know."

The air in the room seemed to shift.

"The magic keeping us here, the remnants of our existence…is fading."

Salazar nodded. "We have, at most, two more months."

A heavy silence filled the chamber.

"That timing coincides with the start of your second year at Hogwarts," Rowena said gently. "By then, we will be gone."

Godric crossed his arms, his voice steady.

"Which means that in these two months, we will teach you everything we can regarding your bloodline abilities. That is if you wish for it"

Nero clenched his fists. "Then we won't waste a single second."

Lilith smirked. "We're going to make every moment count."

Alaric exhaled, determination settling in.

Ember cracked her knuckles. "Let's get started, then."

The founders smiled.

And so, their summer break training began.

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